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Charges dropped against ‘ND-88’

Observer Staff Report | Friday, May 6, 2011

St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak dropped the charges against protestors arrested for trespassing on campus in May 2009 during President Barack Obama’s visit to Notre Dame, according to a University press release.

“I am sincerely pleased that the charges against those who were arrested on our campus in May 2009 have been dismissed,” University President Fr. John Jenkins said in a press release Thursday. “From the start, everyone involved in this difficult matter has been in complete accord on the sanctity of human life, and we all remain committed to continuing our work to support life from conception to natural death.”

Obama spoke at the Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2009, and his visit sparked massive response from pro-life protestors who disagreed with the president’s stance on abortion. Eighty-eight protestors were arrested for trespassing when they entered campus in a protest against the president’s presence at Notre Dame.

“I am grateful to St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak and St. Joseph County Superior Court Judge Michael Scopelitis and their staffs for their patient and professionalism in handling this matter,” Jenkins said.